Tottenham eyeing English star wasting away at Manchester City

Tottenham to face competition from Newcastle United

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham are set to face competition from Newcastle United for the signing of Trafford. The Magpies have revived their interest after failing to land the English glovesman in the summer, touching the player’s representatives over a January move. The Man City goalkeeper is pushing to leave the club after being relegated to second choice by Pep Guardiola.

Trafford, who played a key role in Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League by keeping 15 clean sheets in the Championship last term, views his return to City as a “wasted year” that stalled his progress. The winter window offers him an opportunity to get his career back on track.

From Tottenham’s perspective, Guglielmo Vicario is the undisputed No.1. He has been Spurs’ first-choice goalkeeper since arriving from Empoli in the summer of 2023 and his status under new boss Thomas Frank hasn’t changed. The Italian international has overall performed really well this season, barring a couple of average displays.

And when the media, pundits and fans have criticised Vicario, Frank has leapt in his defence and backed him openly. Despite a couple of underwhelming displays, ex-scout Bryan King thinks the 29-year-old has enough credit in his bank and currently remains the best option to continue as the No.1 at Tottenham. No wonder, he is a part of the five-man leadership group announced by Frank in October.

As the Spurs boss reportedly plans to stick with Vicario in between the sticks, it is tough to see the Lilywhites make a move for Trafford. Ready to leave City for the second time due to lack of playing opportunities, Trafford would not be willing to join Tottenham knowing Vicario is their current No.1. To leave City for warming the bench elsewhere would make zero sense, and therefore, a mid-season transfer to Spurs is not practical.

With Nick Pope having problems with fitness and form, Newcastle appears to be an ideal destination for Trafford to kickstart his career in the Premier League.